What punishment Chris Wilder could face after Sheffield United incident v Southampton | OneFootball

Chris Wilder was dismissed at half time in Sheffield United's 2-1 loss at home to Southampton

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has predicted that Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder will be receiving a three-match ban for his red card offence against Southampton.

The 57-year-old hit a fan with a ball when half-time was called during his side’s midweek clash at home to the Saints.

The Blades were actually leading 1-0 when Wilder vented his frustration on a pitchside ball, which hit a fan.

While the coach went into the stands to apologise for the incident, the referee still chose to dismiss him as they were heading into the tunnel.

This means that Wilder is now facing disciplinary action that is likely to see him receive a touchline ban for Sheffield United.

Chris Wilder set for potential three-game ban

Hackett has claimed that Wilder could be in line for a three game touchline ban due to the fact the ball he kicked actually hit a fan, claiming the decision to send him off was more than justified.

He compared it to a similar incident involving Arsene Wenger being sent off at Old Trafford where he received a one game ban, but he also didn’t strike a supporter either.

“Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was shown a red card,” said Hackett, via Football Insider.

“Whilst exiting the field of play, he vented his frustration by kicking the ball into the stand.

“Unfortunately the ball struck a fan.

“The referee was left with little option other than to send Wilder off.

“When we look back, I can recall Arsenal’s manager at the time, Arsene Wenger, receiving a one-match touchline ban when he kicked the ball down the touchline at Old Trafford.

“In this situation, Wilder booted the ball with some force, and it hit a spectator.

“The disciplinary review panel using video evidence will look at this action by the Sheffield United manager and determine if a one or three-match ban is appropriate.

“The outcome will take into account his previous record.

“Because the ball hit the spectator, I will not be surprised if he is sitting in the stands for the next three games.”

Sheffield United went on to lose the game at home to Southampton, with two goals from Ross Stewart in the second half sealing an important three points for Will Still’s side.

The result has left the Blades rooted to the bottom of the Championship table after eight games, having earned just three points.

The Yorkshire outfit will be keen to turn things around quickly, but they will have to do so without Wilder in the coming weeks if he is indeed handed a three game ban.

Next up for Sheffield United is a trip to face Hull City on 4 October in a 12.30pm kick-off, in what is the final league fixture before the upcoming international break.

Chris Wilder can have no complaints over possible touchline ban

Wilder apologised to the supporter, and it seems as though there was no harm done in that respect.

However, he can still have no complaints if he is handed a three game touchline ban, as he has to take better care for his surroundings, no matter his frustrations.

He is a 57-year-old man with a lot of experience coaching at this level, and so should know better and should be setting a better example.

While his sending off didn’t directly lead to Southampton scoring twice, it still reflects poorly on him that he was no longer on the touchline as his side gave up their 1-0 lead on Tuesday night.